Microsoft will also sell non-copy-protected digital music

Following Apple's move, the pioneer in selling digital music does not use digital rights management technology (DRM), Microsoft said this week, it will soon sell online digital music without DRM.

Microsoft's change is clearly a response to a week earlier contract between Apple and record label EMI Group PLC. In the past, EMI Group PLC once stated that DRM is a very necessary factor for the popular digital media business models.

In an email to IDG News Service, Microsoft spokeswoman Katy Asher commented: 'The statement of EMI does not exclude Apple .' According to Ms Asher, to meet users' needs, Microsoft will conduct negotiations not only with EMI but also with many other record labels about providing music without copyright protection to Zune music players.

Microsoft Zune digital music player.

Ms. Asher said: ' The customer made it clear that what they needed was music without software protection. We expect to provide them with that kind of music as soon as all our partners are able to meet this expectation . '

In February this year, CEO and founder of Apple, Mr. Steve Jobs 'plowed' air into controversy when calling for the removal of DRM in digital music products sold in open letters posted on the website. Apple.

At the time, Microsoft reacted quite strongly to Jobs's point of view, even a spokesman for the company said it was a very naive and irresponsible opinion. But now, the software giant seems to have changed his voice literally.

Microsoft's Zune player, after being released, has become a formidable rival for iPod and iTunes. According to initial reports of Zune's revenue, it can be seen that this device has also "taken over" part of the iPod market share. But Microsoft executives insisted that Microsoft's investment in Zune was long-term and could not immediately overcome the iPod.

Do Duong